Beware the Beauty Trap: The Perils of Chasing Perfect Interiors on Social Media

Don’t get sucked in by the pretty! In today's digital age, social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and design-focused blogs are awash with images of immaculate, stunning interiors. These visual feasts of perfectly styled rooms, breathtaking color schemes, and seemingly effortless design can be incredibly inspiring; however, it's crucial to remember that these images often represent an idealized, carefully curated view of reality.

Come with me as we explore why getting sucked into the vortex of social media's picture-perfect interiors can be misleading and how to approach home design in a more realistic and satisfying way. Let’s unveil the illusion of social media perfection!

Sip in Style: Elevate Your Holiday Décor with the Perfect Beverages

The holiday season is upon us y’all, and as you deck the halls and adorn your living spaces with festive cheer, don't forget to elevate the experience with the perfect holiday beverages. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply looking to create a cozy atmosphere for your family, the right drink can add that extra touch of warmth and merriment to your home. Join me as we explore the best beverages to serve during the holidays, perfectly complementing your carefully curated interior design.

Elevate Your Home's Holiday Decor with Modern Feels

The holiday season is upon us y’all (isn’t that crazy? I feel like I just took down our Christmas tree yesterday), and what better way to celebrate than by transforming your home into a cozy, festive retreat with a modern vibe? Whether you're an interior design enthusiast or just looking to refresh your living space, I’ll guide you through some creative and contemporary ways to get your home holiday-ready. Let's infuse the traditional warmth of the holidays with a dash of modern style!

Create a Stylish and Functional Home Office in a Small Space

A well-designed home office is not just a functional necessity; it's a canvas for your creativity and a reflection of your personal style. Whether you're a remote worker, a freelancer, or simply need a space to manage your personal affairs, we've got you covered with smart tips and creative ideas to transform your small area into a productive oasis.

Why Homeowners Should Consider Options Beyond Granite for their Countertops

When it comes to kitchen remodeling or building a new home, selecting the right countertop material is a crucial decision. Granite has long been a popular choice due to its durability, natural beauty, and timeless appeal; however, I have to say…I’m extremely over it (major yawn)! It has been so overdone and in recent years, homeowners have finally started exploring alternative options that offer similar benefits while providing unique advantages of their own. Join me as I delve into why homeowners should consider countertop alternatives for their next remodel or new home project instead of exclusively opting for granite.

How a Well-Designed Home Affects Your Health

Your home is not just a place where you eat and sleep, it’s where you spend most of your time (especially if you’re still working from home). The design of your home can have a significant impact on your physical and mental well-being. A well-designed home can promote a healthy lifestyle, increase productivity, and reduce stress. If I may, allow me to prove why the last two sentences are indeed facts. Let’s dig a little deeper by discussing six aspects of how a well designed home affects your health.

The Power of Statement Lighting in Home Design

In a previous blog post, we established the sad reality that lighting is often overlooked or underestimated. Once that basic foundation is realized and applied, you’re ready to take your living space to the next level! Incorporating statement lighting into your design can make a world of difference, elevating the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of your space. Think of that beautiful statement jewelry piece you adorn when attending a gala or a formal dinner. It becomes the star of the show. You want it to stand out from the rest.

How Art Can Add Luxury to Your Bathroom

When it comes to designing or decorating a bathroom, many people focus solely on practical elements such as storage, lighting, and fixtures. Although those things are important, adding art to your bathroom can be a great way to add personality and a touch of luxury to the space.

How We Create a Uniquely Modern Living Room

At Shades of Gray Design Studio, we love to create one-of-a-kind, modern living rooms! Modern living rooms are often characterized by their sleek, clean lines and minimalist design, but there are many ways to add personality and warmth to this type of space. We’re sharing some tips and ideas we use to create a modern living room that is both stylish and unique.

7 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Fall for the "Free" Design Service at Furniture Retail Stores

When it comes to designing a home, a lot of people seek free design services at retail furniture stores. While that option may seem like you’ll save more money, it actually won’t. It might look good and sound good, but please don’t be deceived…be prepared to have your eyes opened.

We’re going to discuss seven (7) reasons why you shouldn’t fall for the “free design service” trap. Ready? Here we go!

Remodeling Your Home During Times of Inflation

Remodeling your home can be an exciting and rewarding project, but it can also be expensive, especially during times of inflation when construction labor and material costs are high; however, there are ways to manage the cost of remodeling your home in the current times we’re in and still achieve the desired results. It sounds counterintuitive, but hear me out. One of the best ways to do this is by hiring a professional interior designer. Let’s explore the benefits of hiring an interior designer for your project and provide tips on how to remodel your home during times of inflation.

5 Ways Abstract Art Can Add a Wow Factor to Your Living Space

Are you looking to add some character, personality, and wow factor to your living space? One way to achieve this is by incorporating abstract art into your home decor. Abstract art is a form of art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but rather uses shapes, colors, and textures to create a unique and expressive composition. Although it can be infused into a variety of styles, you typically see it displayed in more contemporary spaces. Here are a few ways abstract art can elevate your home.

Why You Should Consider Custom Furniture for Your Interior Design Project

When it comes to designing your home, one of the most important decisions you'll make is selecting the right furniture. While there are plenty of great retail options available on the market, investing in custom furniture can offer a range of benefits that make it well worth the extra cost. Let’s explore some of the reasons why you should consider investing in custom furniture for your next design project.

3 Steps to Getting Your Dream Space - Know Your Level of Investment

You can have a laundry list of nice-to-haves but do you have a bottomless pit of cash? If you do, awesome! You are the minority though. Most people don’t have limitless funds, so the need to prioritize is key. There are three questions I want you to ask yourself before you go full steam ahead with that project. Read on!

3 Steps to Getting your Dream Space - Prioritize Your Needs

So it’s a new year and you want to turn over a new leaf, organize your closet, attempt to lose weight, get in shape, stop consuming so much sugar, refresh your living space, aaaaand save the world. Whew! That’s a lot of ambition! While I can’t help you put down that extra donut, I can help steer you in the right direction when it comes to refreshing your living space.

(VIDEO) How to Select Cohesive Colors for Your Home

One of the most challenging concepts of decorating your home, is selecting the right colors that will flow well from room to room. Our video will walk you through some simple ways you can achieve the look you want in your space without pulling all of your hair out in the process!

(VIDEO) Using Dark Colors

Don’t be afraid of the dark! Most people are already uncertain about choosing colors for their home that go beyond the “neutrals” of beige or white. So you know they appear to be deathly afraid of using dark colors for fear it will feel cave-like. Not so! Using dark colors in your space can be magical! Our video discusses how stepping out of your comfort zone by using moodier colors, can take your next decorating or design project to the next level!

(VIDEO) 5 Ways to Control Remodeling Costs

Stressing about a remodeling project you want to tackle? Well, stress no more…watch this video to learn how to take control of your remodeling costs instead of allowing your costs to control you. It’s absolutely possible to get the space of your dreams without going broke. Sounds amazing right? You don’t wan to miss this one. It will help save you money and your sanity.

Where to save and where to splurge on your bathroom remodel

I get this question A LOT! “Where should I splurge and where should I save on my bathroom remodel? I’m so overwhelmed.” First of all, I got you. No need to stress. In this blog post I’m going to share the things I suggest splurging on, and the things I suggest saving on!

I want you to have the bathroom of your dreams, that looks and feels luxurious and that functions exactly as it’s supposed to. I want to make your life EASIER.

Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Living Room for Spring

The first thing you should do every spring is to clean out your current space. Get rid of anything that does not bring your joy, or anything that you have not used for the last year. The more you have, the more cluttered your home can feel and if your home feels cluttered it’s more likely that your brain will feel cluttered. Healthy home, healthy mind!

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